BerkeyAuthentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters for Berkey Water Systems (Set of 2)

Without a doubt, the best water my husband and I have ever tasted. We've tried numerous water filter/purification systems and nothing comes close to the quality and taste that we get from this system. If you live in an area with unusually high concentrations of heavy metals, the black berkey will take care of up to 95% of those metals (including lead, mercury, aluminium, cadmium, chromium and copper). Where the berkey really excels is with pathogenic bacteria, cysts, trihalomethanes, radiologicals (radon 222), inorganic materials like chlorine as well as a whole host of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).After searching the internet for about a week, and informing ourselves about this filter, we discovered that the average removal of contaminants using the berkey was rated at a LOG7 rating (99.99999%). Some sites claim as high as LOG9 (99.9999999%) of some of the contaminant removal. Although we can't verify these statistics, some of them came from what we believe to be official, reliable sources.We chose this system over a reverse osmosis system, mainly due to the cost factor (berkey is far cheaper and more efficient), as well as the lack of consensus within the scientific community over whether or not water gained from reverse osmosis is really that good for you. So, we opted for the berkey instead and are so happy we did.Also, in the event of an earthquake (we live on a major fault line), it would be handy to be able to get clean, safe drinking water anytime, anywhere, without the need for electricity or water pressure (you can take water out of a lake and purify it). Makes it handy in a do or die situation.We may sound like berkey employees, but we have no affiliation with them in any way, shape or form. We are just very satisfied customers and completely convinced of berkey's dedication to the quality of it's products. As their website states, "Berkey® Systems are the World's Most Powerful and Cost Effective Personal Water purification Systems Providing Reliable and User-friendly Water Purification in Both Normal and Hostile Filtration Environments."

We bought our Berkey in 2006 and never used it. We kept it for emergencies. When we moved to the PNW a year ago, we were on a well with high sulfur content - makes for NASTY HEADACHES (made it feel like our brains were swelling) especially when you are allergic to sulfur. We pulled out the Berkey and within 2 weeks were headache free after 2 months of suffering. The two filters that came with the Berkey had worked perfect, and we have added in 6 more (we have a family of 10, so lots of water needed). What I've found is we do get slime on the filters and you know it is building because the water filtration decreases. About every 6 weeks I take them out and clean them carefully, reassemble and the filtration works really well. We're into year 2 with the same 8 filters, including the two from 2006, and no problems. I also figured out an easier way to prime the filters - use a small straw (looks like a cocktail straw) and place them into the filter and HOLD IT. Then use a 35 cc syringe without a needle, you can get these online or through a vet, feed store, etc. The straw goes into the chamber and as you push the syringe of water through the straw, the water level inside rises and releases air around the straw. Fastest, least messiest way to fill the chambers ever - works incredibly well and uses much less water to prime the filters with. The filters themselves work great - if it weren't for the Berkey I would be in serious trouble with the crippling headaches I had from the water here. Berkey's aren't supposed to remove sulfur that much apparently, but they do, so I am really really happy with them. Not one single problem yet with the filters. I do have backup filters just in case, never know when we might need them, but hopefully we can keep using the ones we have for a while.

I have had my Berkey water filtering system for years. The taste of the water is amazing. These filters last for years depending on the quantity of water you drink! I didn't know my filter on my freezer stopped working until I notice the sludge in the filtering portion (top) of my Berkey containers. To keep my ice fresh I constantly take a bunch out and put it in the top containers where the filters are attached so as it melts it drips into the fresh water container. There was so much yucky stuff that I was so happy I had been using the Berkey filtering system. The filters did an amazing job!

We used this in a knock off Berkey water tank. Worked well. No issues removing the "Florida taste" from the water down there. We used it for a single winter without issue. Will be using again for a second season. I just dried them very well last year, so fingers crossed. If you can get 3-5 winter seasons out of this, than it is definitely worth the cost. Priming was a little tough. Tried the pay for extra primer, but pressuring the including filter ring around a bathroom faucet was the best solution for us. It wound up priming the filters within 5-10 seconds. Overall great product to have fresh clean water in Florida.Update: Season 2 in Florida and it still works great. I just dried them out very well last year and then primed them again this year. Florida water has a good taste again. Hoping this will last several years only using it a few months a year.Update: Season 4 is still going strong. The flow is slowing down a little meaning it takes a little longer to filter the water, but it is still clean and good tasting. I've looked at the current prices and I can't believe the increase in 4 years. I think I will try to make mine last a little longer. :)

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